“It has, arguably, cost us 3 goals this season already but could have cost us far more.”

Following yesterday’s 3-1 defeat away at Sunderland in League One, we asked our members what three things they learned from the match.

Here’s what NottyImp said:

1. We don’t have the players to play it out from the back. It has, arguably, cost us 3 goals this season already but could have cost us far more. I counted 4 occasions on the trot (and there were others in the game) versus Peterborough when we lost the ball in our own half using this tactic, either by giving the ball away or putting it out for an opposition throw-in. That means that this tactic is not working even in terms of keeping possession on a regular basis, never mind the calamitous goals.

2. There’s no point developing this tactic with players that may not even be here next season. It’s all very well saying that we want to try it out and set it up for the future, but we may well have to do it all again next season, anyway. Much better to play to current players’ strengths and avoid stupid goals. It certainly makes me happier!

3. Our away form is beyond dismal and that needs looking at asap. Unless we can improve that in the medium term, we will be doomed to nothing better than lower-table survival in future seasons.

Did you go to the match yesterday? Don’t forget to Rate The Players, Vote For Your Man of The Match, Rate The Ref and share your views on our Match Thread!

Here’s what Impalex said:

1. If we are to play it out from the ‘keeper then, surely, Grant Smith would be the better prospect as his distribution generally is better than Vickers’.

2. Stop that old-fashioned and ridiculous start to a game when we have the kick-off. Four times yesterday the ball was booted to the opposition’s right-back position and immediately out for a throw-in or delivered straight to them.

3. I have been a big fan of John Akinde but he has now tested even my patience. He should have scored yesterday. I suppose I am saying be rid of him.

And here’s what Jamesimp said:

1. League 1 defenders are not good enough to play the ball out from inside the box, the opponents close down the wing-backs and we’re buggered. Knock it long and play more than 1 up front so we have more options. Lose the ball in the other half you have time to regroup.

2. We need to spend more time in training getting the final ball into the box right, far too often we find space and can’t beat the first defender.

3. We are not realistically a playoff team, yes we came back at them second half but the game was virtually over as a contest. We need to play well both home and away if we’re to be taken seriously.

"It has, arguably, cost us 3 goals this season already but could have cost us far more."https://t.co/T0x6BEsvV0 #SAFC #ImpsAsOne #ProudToBeImps

— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) January 5, 2020